So I am about to say something very controversial that I am sure will up set a hell of a lot of fans.

I hate Unearthly child.

This is my opinion. I find it very dull and boring.

Does this make me a horrible fan that the very thing that started this fantastic show is the one thing I hate?

I haven't even bothered watching it. Since the series came back I've only bothered watching a handful of the classic episodes, and for some reason I've neglected that one.

Am I?

No seriously, I don't think you are just because of that.

Really? I think the actual episode called An Unearthly Child is fantastic.

The caveman episodes that also get lumped under that title are not very good, though.

The first episode is pretty good. I still haven't made it past halfway through the second.

Yes, yes you are.

I'm afraid that by orders of the Shadow Proclamation you are no longer allowed to watch any Doctor Who.

Sorry about that, but you brought it on yourself.

I may have to watch it again but ya know I just found it very dull and unappealing.

Episode 1 is fantastic.

Episode 2, 3 and 4 are very dull indeed.

Had "The Daleks" not come next the show may never have become such a big hit, would probably have been taken off the air in early 1964, would have been completely forgotten about and none of us would be having this conversation.

Yes it does, off to the naughty step with you.

Just kidding.
I like the first episode, it builds up the mystery quite nicely. Although I don't like the bit when Ian flashes back to asking Susan questions in his lesson, Susan's a bit cringingly hyper then.
I'm glad they made the Doctor nicer than what he was in the original pilot, he was rather scary then.

The caveman episodes are rather mundane. The only bit I like is when the Doctor picks up a rock and calmly considers bashing the guy's head in that is slowing them down. Pity he was stopped, I rather wanted to see that. Of course the picture in my head is gorier than it probably would have ended up being.

can't disagree with you on any thing you say except episode 2 the first 10 to 15 minutes are very good but the rest is a bit dull . In some ways An Uneartly Child, is very much like The Tenth Planet, two landmark stories but apart from one episode the other 3 are quite mundane.

I'm a big fan of the show but I find most of the Hartnell episodes hard going and a bit dull. I love his performance as The Doctor though.

Doctor Who is my favourite show ever. I've never even seen An Unearthly Child. I've seen very few classic episodes. Only started watching with Rose.

You're a terrible fan. Your ability to blow air at high speed is lamentably poor.

Eh?

Think of the other meaning of the word

I've bought the first three stories on DVD for the gap between now and the next episode. Only £9 from Amazon - fantastic.

I'm managing my expectations for An Unearthly Child and Edge of Destruction but I'm informed by my friend that the Dalek story is a brilliant piece of classic sci fi in it's own right, on top of it's contribution to Doctor Who.

Can't wait

Well in fairness to An Unearthly Child, episode 1 is 10/10 stuff; but episodes 2-4 are rubbish.

Don't attempt to watch The Daleks in one go, it like 3 hours plus and you'll get bored.

No you're not a horrible person.

I'm a massive fan of the show and have been since about age 4 but I've been watching some of the classic stuff of late and it isn't half hard going sometimes.

Almost gave up all hope during the Greatest Show in the Galaxy and having now watched the first two stories in the Key to Time saga I'm not sure I have the will to go on!

Personally though I thought an Unearthly Child was alright.

I think someone on here summed up the classic series nicely once: The classic series is for a large part just enjoyable fodder. There are some real classics in there but also a lot of shockingly pants stuff.

Or something to that effect.

We have three months between episode right. So I am willing to give unearthly child another chance.

An Unearthy Child is an exceptional piece of TV. The following 3 episodes were pretty weak, but I can't watch that first episode without a shudder at just how earth-shatteringly important it is (in TV terms, of course)

Spot on!

Loved the first ever episode. A brilliant set up and overview of the Tardis,companions and the Doctor.

The cavemen stories, however, were awful. Ugh.

And it may be heresy- the Aztec story itself is good, but the execution is awful. The few things I liked was The Doctor flirting with the Aztec woman and Susan was offscreen for most of the episodes.

agreed with eps 2-4 on the unearthly child arc.
I found edge of destruction edge of your seat stuff and very exciting until the rather dissatifying resolve....and sorry to be cliche but thedaleks serial is grand sci fi television...I cant help but feel that episoode one of unearthly child should have been realised as a standalone episode with the doctor,susan and their unwilling passengers landing on skaro in ep 2

You have to take into account the moods and attitudes of the times. Unearthly Child was a fantastic achievement for 1963 and it had me on the edge of the sofa even if everyone else in the room wore "'What on Earth is this?' type expressions. I'd try to explain afterward but they never got it.
Those discovering Doctor Who in this century would have a different perspective

Oh you must continue, at least to Stones of Blood. It is an extremely strong and enjoyable story, and also the important landmark 100th Dr Who story.